Lerato Umah-Shaylor

I am a cookery writer, broadcaster and cookery school founder, putting African flavours on a global table. I love to teach, and share vibrant recipes from African and beyond, especially inspired by my heritage and travels. My career in food and media has been quite a journey from hosting cookery television shows syndicated across the African continent, becoming the youngest editor at a national newspaper, writing a cookery column for the Guardian ng to creating pioneering and culturally immersive cookery classes in the UK especially at a time when African food was barely a trending topic. I am a regular contributor on the BBC, especially sharing recipes on BBC Sussex & Surrey. I work with a wide range of organisations such as multinationals, educational institutions, charities and food and lifestyle brands to bring sunshine to food lovers. My first book, AFRICANA will be published on 1st September 2022 by HQ, HarperCollins.

Special subjects

Food and Travel, African Food, Seasonal Cooking, African & World Fusion, Spices

Languages spoken

English & French

Regular work

Cookery demonstrations & masterclasses (in-person & virtual), food writing, and recipe development for brands and media.

Commercial interests

I own Lerato Foods & Naturals and we run cookery classes and virtual masterclasses with participants from all over the world. Clients & partners include; Waitrose, Soho Group, Imperial College, Tilda, Tesco, Royal Horticultural Society, Groucho Club, Great British Chefs, and more to create recipes and immersive experiences.

Lerato Umah-Shaylor

Published